Sausage linking machine



March 29, 1960 l.. P. cRoss SAUSAGE LINKING MACHINE Original Filed Dec.31, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR. law/m66 0055,

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' sAUsAGE LINKING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. S51,` 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet4 E INVENTOR.

[awe/zc@ 2,0 [m55 March 29, 1960 l.. P. cRoss SAUSAGE LINKING MACHINEOriginal Filed Dec. 31, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 .OOOOOOOO.

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sAUsAGE LINKING MACHINEv original Filed Dec. 31, 1955 7 sheets-sheet sIN1/Enron. law/ence F Cmap-5,

BY M W March 29, 1960 L. P. CROSS I 2,930,077

SAUSAGE LINKIN@ MACHlNE Original Filed Dec. 31, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 7INVENTOIL lawrence? @#056,

l l y'llatentedv' Mary.. 29," ,-1969,

SAUSAGE LINKING MACHINE Lawrence P. Cross, Valparaiso, Ind., assignor toKartridg- Pak Machine Co., a corporation of Iowa Original applicationDecember 31, 1955, Serial No. 401,600, now Patent No. 2,845,655, datedAugust 5, 1958. Divided and this application May 14, 1958, Serial No.735,191

9 Claims. (Cl. 17-34) 1 This invention relates to the manufacture ofsausages or similar products in' `which awlength of filled or Astuffedcasing is divided'into individual links of generally uniform length andthe casing is' twisted between each link and the next adjoining links.

This application is a division of application Serial No. 401,600, tiledDecember 31, 1955, now Patent No. 2,845,655, issued August 5, 1958. v

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved mechanismfor the production of link sausages or like products, which mechanismwill divide a filled casing at predetermined intervals to form aplurality of individual links of uniform length and automatically rotateeach successive link in the same direction to provide one or more twistsin the casing between each link and the next succeeding link.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a linkingmachine which will automatically divide a iilled casing into sectionsofV predetermined length and simultaneously advance the divided sectionsthrough a restricted opening and into a collecting receptacle which israpidly rotatedabout its axis whereby to impart a twist in the casingbetween each link and the next succeeding link and to collect thetwisted links in coil-like fashion as the twisting is completed.

lt is a further object of the invention to provide a linking machinewhich will automatically divide a lilled casing into sections ofpredetermined length, which will rotate each successive section toimpart a twist in the casing between it and the next succeeding section,which will collect the twisted sections or links in coil-like fashion ina rapidly rotating container as the twisting is completed and whichwillthereafter move the container in a direction laterally of its axis ofrotation to a nonrotating position where the accumulated links arereadily accessible for removal therefrom.

Itis another object of the invention to provide a linkling machine whichcomprises in combination mecha- :nism for continuously feeding a filledcasing, mechanism lfor constricting the casing at spaced points-todivide the same into individual link forming sections, mechanism .forrotating each successive link to impart a twist in the -constricted areabetween the link and the next succeeding link and mechanism forcollecting the twisted links in coil formation wherein a rapidlyrotating container is fmounted for movement from a link receivingposition to :a link discharging position and said container is pro-'vided with a movable wall section permitting the container to be openedup for ready removal of the coil of links.

It isa further object of the invention to provide in a sausage linkingmachine mechanism for constricting the filled sausage casing at spacedintervals to divide the same into a plurality of links of predeterminedlength in combination with a twisting mechanism which comprises arapidly revolving receptacle having a central aperture valigned withsaid constricting mechanism for receiving thcgsuccessive links, and ahollow throat forming ring member mounted for free rotation in saidreceptacle aperturewhich ring member provides a passageway for the linksas they advance intro the receptacle whereby a twist is imparted to thesuccessive links by centrifugal force and the twisted links areaccumulated in coiled relation around the periphery of the receptacle.

' It is another object of the invention to provide linking machine whichcomprises in combination mechanismrfor continuously feeding and dividinga filled casing into individual link forming sections of predeterminedlength,

I mechanism for rotating yeach successive link to impart a twistl in theconstricted'area between the link and the next succeeding-link andmechanism forfcollecting the twisted-links `imola .coil as they aredeliveredfromf'the casing feeding andfdividingv mechanism, 'whereinthetwisting `and collecting mechanisms comprise a cylindrical container anda mounting therefonwhich is adapted' to selectively Isupport the same'ineither' link receiving Aor link discharging position, and wherein adrive mechanism is provided for rapidly vrotating thecontainer at thelink receiving position, which drive mechanism has a separable drivingconnection with the cylindrical container whereby toperrnit .thecontainer to be released from the drive mechanism and to move by force.of its rotation to the link discharging position.

It is a', further, object of the inventionrtoprovide in a sausagelinking machine having mechanism for continf` uously advancing avfilled-sausage casing and for dividing the casing into individuallinks, a cylindrical twisting and collecting receptacle rotatablymounted on an arm which is supported for swinging movement to positionthe receptacle either in link receiving alignment with the casingdividing mechanism or in link discharging relation laterally thereof,and a drive mechanism for rapidly rotating the receptacle when it is inthe link receiving position, whichv drive mechanism has a separableconnection with the receptacle whereby the receptacle may bedisconnected from-the drive and allowed to swing on `its supporting armout of the linkV receiving position to the link discharging position.

I t is Ia further object of the invention to provide in a sausagelinking machine of the type described, means forcontinuously'feeding afilled sausage casing in a predetermined path and Vfor dividing the sameinto a plurality of link'forming sections of uniform length which comprises avpair' of conveyor mechanisms arranged on op posite' sides ofthe path 'ofmovement of the casing, co`

operating casing vconstr'icting members arranged. oni-thi1 conveyormechanisms which engage the casing from op posite sides and travel,therewith over a predetermined portion o f the path thereof and othercasing constricting members arranged on `one lof the conveyormechanisms` and movable in a direction laterally of the advancingmovement of the conveyor'mechanisms into engagement with the casing asit advances between the conveyor mechanisms whereby to constrict vthecasing by'successive engagement of the constricting members at aplurality of points spaced circumferentially of the casing.

It is another object of the invention to provide in a iilled casingadvancing and dividing mechanism a pair of endless conveyors, whichconveyors are arranged on opposite sides of the path of advancingmovement of the casing and present opposed conveyor runs which are ingenerally parallel spaced planes and between which'the lled casing isadvanced, longitudinally spaced cross bars on each conveyor, each crossbar being adapted to cooperate witha cross bar onthe opposite conveyorfor en- 1 gaging and constricting `the casing from opposite sides,

pairsl of` casing constrictingV members associated with the cross barson one of .theconveyors, the respective constrlcting members of eachvpair being positioned on opposite sides ofthe path ofmovement of thecasing andl extending in the direction of the opposite conveyor 'whensaid casing advances between said conveyors, and means for controllingthe movement of 'said constricting members toward and from casingengaging and constrictlng relation with said advancing casing during themovement of the casing between the conveyors. l

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom a consideration of the mechanisms which are shown by wayofillustration in the `accompanying drawings, wherein: p

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of alinkingmachine embodying the principalfeatures of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the linking machine;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the linking machine;

Fig. 4 is a cross section, -taken-onthe line 4-4 of Fig. .1.;

Fig. -5 is a vertical section, taken von the line 5--5 'of Eig. 1, to anenlarged scale andjpartly schematic;

Fig. 6 is va ldet'ail elevation 4of Ille easing :feeding and dividingmechanism :to an `enlarged scale;

Fig'. 7 is a side elevation .'o'f :the `dividing mechanism, withportionsbroken away; j v

Fig. 8 is a section taken "on the line 8---8f'of1Fig. E;

Fig. '9 is a fragmentary elevation,'toxanenlargedfscala at the entranceend of the dividing mechanism;

Fig. 10 is an elevation of a modied form Aof the invention with portionsbroken away;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the mechanism'of Fig. 10, with portions brokenaway.;

Fig. 12 is a partial end elevation;

Fig. 13 is a partial sectionftaken 'on-the lin'e "134-13 of Fig. 10, toanenlarged'scale; u

Fig. 14 is a plan view ofafmo'ditied 'form "of link Vre:- ceivingreceptacle; and y Fig. l5 is a sectiontaken on'the line 15-15 of Fig.14.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 9 of the drawings vthere is shown a mechanismconstructed in accordance with the principles of the invention whichwillldivide a continuous length of casing filled with `sausage meat, orthe like, into a plurality of link forming sections of predeterminedlength, which will successively rotate each link 'forming sectionrelative to the remainder of the tilled casing to imparta twist betweenit and the next succeeding ulink, which will accumulate the twistedlinks in uniformcoil-like fashion in a cylindrical receptacle and whichwill thereafter move the receptacle to a position where itmay beeasily'opened for ready removal of the links.

The mechanism comprises a supporting frame, having the bottom or mainportion 'thereof in the 'form of 'a generally rectangular 'cabinet 10,'a divider mechanism 11 which is Asupported 'on the upper end of'aninverted L- shaped bracket formation "12 'whichex'tends 'above the topsurface ofth'e b'ase cabinet 10, and "a pair 'of twisting 'andaccumulating receptacles 13 which are 'rotatably supported on aswingably mountedbra'cket or frame formation 14, the latter havingradially projecting oppositely directed arms 1S, on the ends of whicharms the receptacles 13 are located. A power drive mechanism, indicatedat 16, is'operated, by the motor -17 in the'housing 10, for rapidlyrotating the containers '13 When'the respective contalners arein'operativel-position beneath the divider mechanism 11 and also'forldriving the divider mechanism 11 1n proper timedrelation to -t'herotation .of the'driven container 13.

'I `he divider mechanism `11is mounted in a cabinet 18 whlch issecuredat the upper or outer end of the upstanding bracket The cabinet 18includes a vertical base plate 19 which is attached to the end of thehorizontally extendirigpoirtion I20 ofthe bra`cket12. Thetilled casing21 is fe'd to the divider mechanismrllovera grooved'feed roller J22Ywhich directs the casing -21 through .a `horizo'rtallyextendingupwardly opening fguideway forming chute 23`to a smaller idlerroller24andthence through Va vertically extending funnel-like guidechute 25 to the dvlder mechanism `11. .The ridler .rollers V22and 24 andguide chutesi23and 25 are suitably mounted on -a 4 horizontal bracket 26which is supported on the Atop of the base plate 19.

The divider mechanism 11 comprises a pair of cooperating elongateendless conveyors 27 and 28 (Figs. 6 to 9) which are mounted on a baseplate 19. The con veyor 27 comprises inner and outer spaced endlesschains 29 and 30 which are supported at one end on inner and outeraxially spaced sprockets 31 and 32 arranged in axially spaced relationon a driven shaft 33. At the other end the conveyor chains 29 and 30 aresupported on inner and outer spaced idler sprockets 34 and 35 which arearranged in axially spaced relation on outwardly projecting idler shaft36. The shafts 33 and 36 are journaled in suitable bearings in the -basesupporting plate 19. The chains 29 and 30 are connected atlongitudinally spaced intervals by transversely extending pairs ofcasing engaging and constri'cting bar members 37 and 38. The bar members37 and 38 of each pair are arranged in spaced relation longitudinally ofthe chain -and thedistane'e 'between each pair of these `members Aandthe .next adjacent pair thereof corresponds to the desired .length Voflink. The constricting -bars 37 and 38 (Figs. 6 and 9) are angular incross section and -t'he opposite ends of `cach bar are attached to4transversely aligned links of the chains 29 and 30. The bars 37 `and38are arrangedon adjoining links of the conveyor chains with confrontingflanges which are slightly spaced and in parallel relation `while thebars are moved along the straight `runs of the `chains but which willspread apart atan angle to `each `other as the bars pass around theendofth'eidler sprockets `34 and 35 and the driven sprackets 31 yand .32,as shown particularly in Fig. 9. A plurality-of relatively .narrowtransversely extending bars or narrow plate members 39 are arrangedbetween the pairs of constricting `bars 37 `and 38, with each of theplate members 39 4havingan inwardly bowed central `portion 40, whichplate members 39 are adapted to cooperate withlike plate-members 39'onzthe conveyor 28 to `engage with and lightly grip the sausage casingasit advances 4between:theconveyors 27 and 28.

The conveyor'ZS is of the same .general construction as conveyor 27 an'dcomprises spaced'inner'and outer endless chains 41 Vand'42 which aresupported at the lower end on inner and outer driven -sprockets 43 `and44 which are axially spaced on the shaft `4S. At the other end .thechains 41-and '42 are carriedon inner and outer sprockets 46 and '47which are axially spaced 'on lidler shaft 48. Pairs of casing engagingand .'constrictin'g cross bars 49 and 50 "are `arranged "on thechainsiland 42 -at longitudinally spacedinterlvals which cross-:bars 49 andf50are angular'i'n crosslsection Tand arefarran'ged with outwardlyprojecting confrontin'gi'anges positioned in `spaced relation, the'en'ds f'of the :bars f49and '-50 being mountedfon oppositely disposedchain linksby means fof brackets 51. The cross bars 49 and 50 align'with Across 'bars '37 and 38 on the conveyor 27, as 'cooperating pairsof `these-bars pass along the straight portion of the path which extendsbetween the conveyors 27 and28. The transverse guideway 52 formedbetween the confronting flanges of the bars 49 and 50 receives intransverse slidingrelationthere in outwardly projectingcasing'constricting pins 53 and 54 which are carried on block members 55and 56, cachot which is suitably apertnred to receive the transverselyextending pins'or rods 57 and 58 which are arranged bcneath the crossbars 49 and 50 in parallel relation `thereto and the endsof which formthe pivots for connecting'the chain links on which the bars 49 and 50are mounted to the adjoining links of the chains 41 and 42. The movablepin carrying block members 55 and 56 are.slotted at59 and 60 on theirinner or bottom faces to provide `a cam track for receiving cam plates61 and62 which control the transversemovement of the b1ock members 55and56 and the casing .constricting pins53and 54 carried thereon.

The-cam plates .6.1 and162vare mounted in spaced relation "outwardly -of.the supporting `bracket plate 19 by means of ra. pair of spacedmounting bolts 63 having suitasado?? ably formed spaced sleeves thereonfor positioning the plates 61 and 62 in proper relation as shown in Fig.7. The cam forming edges of the plates 61 and 62 extend parallel withthe inner edges of the chains, the plates being suitably apertured atthe ends to accommodate the shaft formations and 48 which carry thesupporting sprockets for the chains, so that the block members and 56are at all times under the control of the cam plates 61 and 62. The camplate supporting bolts 63 also carry inner and outer guide plates 64 and65 which support the rollers or pins connecting the links of the chainsalong the straight portions of their path of movement between theconveyors 27 and 28. Similar inner and outer guide plates 66 and 67 areprovided on the conveyor 27 which are supported on spaced mounting bolts68. With the arrangement .of the conveyor members and the casingconstricting members, as described, the casing is first engaged onopposite sides by the cross bar members 37, 38 and 49, 50 as thecasingadvances between the opposed runs of the conveyors 27 and 28, the crossbars 37, 38 opening up or spreadingv apart as shown in Fig. 9 as theyapproach the cross bars 49, 50 in order to receive between them theconstricting pins 53, 54 which thereafter are moved toward the casing byoperation of the cam plates 61, 62 to engage the casing on the two sidesat right angles to the engagement thereof by the cross bars 37, 38 and49, 50. The conveyor chains are held or guided in a straight path by theguide plates 64, and 66, 67 and the cross bars 37, 38 are held slightlyspaced from the cross bars 49, 50 by the projecting outer portions 69 ofthe end supporting brackets 51 for the cross bars 49 and 50 which extendbeyond the outer edges of the latter and engage with the opposed outeredges of the cross bars 37, 38. A plurality of transversely extendingsausage engaging cross bars 39 which are identical with cross bars 39 onthev conveyor 27 are arranged in spaced relation between the pairs ofcasing constricting bars 49, 50 and cooperate with the bars 39 tolightly grip the sausage casing as it moves between the conveyors.

The driven shafts 33 and 45 which carry the sprockets 31, 32 and 43, 44are connected in driving relation by gears 70 and 71 (Figs. l and 8)which are attached to the inner ends of the shafts 33 and 45,respectively, and which are located in a recess 72 provided in thesupporting plate structure 19. The gear 70 is driven by pinion 73 (Figs.l and 2) on the end of the horizontal shaft 74 which is journaled insuitable bearings in the horizontal, upper portion 20 of the centersupport bracket 12 and which is connected in driving relation with avertically extending drive shaft 75 by interengaging bevel pinions 76and 77 on the adjoining ends of the respective shafts 74 and 75. Thevertical shaft 75 is supported in suitable bearings in the vertical orpost portion 78 of the bracket 12 and a bearing support 79 located inthe top of the base cabinet 10. The shaft 75 is connected at its lowerend in driving relation with a vertically extending primary drive shaft80 by means of a pulley 81 on the shaft 75, a connecting belt 82 and apulley 83 on the primary drive shaft 80. The connecting belt 82 isadjusted to the proper tension by an idler pulley 84 which is mounted onan arm 85 adjustably secured to the bearing support 79. The primarydrive shaft 80 is journalled in vertically spaced bearings 86 and 87 inthe base cabinet 10 and is connected by a pulley 88 mounted thereon anddrive belt 89 with the drive pulley 90 on the motor 17, the latter beingsupported by means of a conventional, adjustable motor mounting 91 inthe base cabinet 10.

lfhe link receiving and accumulating cylindrical receptacles or pans 13are mounted in oppositely disposed relation on the, radially extendingarms 15 of the pivoted bracket 14with each receptacle 13 being adaptedto be positioned in either one of two positions or stations by one ofthe pans 13 beneath the dividing mechanism 11 in proper alignment forreceiving successive links as they are -formed by the dividing mechanism11. The other receptacle 13 is at the same time located on the oppo-varms 15 of the bracket 14. Consequently, only one of the receptacles 13and its mounting will be described in detail.

Each of the cylindrical pan-like receptacles 13 (Figs. 1, 3 and 5)comprises a circular bottom forming plate 92, upstanding peripheral sidewall formations 93 and a circular top wall Vformation 94. The side andtop wall formations 93 and 94 are divided on the line 95 which extendsin a generally diagonal direction on opposite sides of the peripheralwall and across the top wall 94.' The line 95 divides the receptacleinto top and bottom forming sections 96 and 97, with the bottom section97 constituting the main or base portion of the receptacle and the topsection 96 constituting a cover forming portion which is connected tothe base portion 97 by the hinges 98 and which is adapted to be swung toan open position as shown in Fig. 1 to provide access to the interior'ofthe receptacle 13 for removal of the twisted links which are depositedtherein when the mechanism is operated with the receptacle 13 in thelink receiving position and the receptacle 13 is thereafter moved to theunloading position.

The bottom plate 92 (Fig. 5) is secured to the top end of a verticalsupporting post or shaft 99 which is journaled, by means of verticallyspaced sleeve bearings 100, in a vertical end bearing support 101 on theouter end of the arm 15 of the bracket 14. The vertical shaft 99 carriesat its lower end a circular plate 102, secured thereto by bolts 103,which functions as one half of a driving clutch 104, the other halfbeing a circular plate 10S which is attached to the upper end of themain drive shaft 80, and which is movable vertically in a manner to bedescribed. One of the plates 102 and 105 is provided with a frictionalelement 106. A circular plate 107 is secured to the base oifbottom plate92 of the receptacle 13 adjacent the upper end of the shaft 99 which isadapted to function as one half of a brake 108the other half being acircular plate 109 which is attached to the bearing support 101 andapertured to accommodate the shaft 99. O n of the opposed face plates`107 and 109 is provided with ia frictional brake element 110 so thatrotation of the receptacle 13 is retarded when the plates 107 and 109are in engaging relation. The shaft 99 has a small amount of play in itsaxial direction in the bearings so that predetermined upward pressure onthe clutch plate 102 by the clutch plate 105 lifts the Vshaft 99 and thereceptacle 13 a predetermined distance suicient to disengage the plates'107 and 109 of the brake 108 and permit rotation of the receptacle 13 bythe power shaft 80, the latter being vertically movable in the bearings86 and 87.

rotation vo f the bracket 1 4 about the vertical post 78 on' r[he maindrive shaft 80 (Figs. 1 and 2) is normally urged vin the upwarddirection by a compression spring 111 which engages with the floorportion 112 of the cabinet 10 at oneend and a suitable stop collar 113on the shaft 80. The lower end of the shaft 80 extends through asuitable aperture in the floor 112 of the cabinet 10 and is pivotallyconnected at 114 with the end of an arm 115 extending from a cross shaft116, the latter being mounted in spaced bearings 117 and 118 on thebottom face of the floor portion 112 of the base cabinet 10. The crossshaft 116 is provided with an operating arm or foot pedal 119 having anend 120 projecting beyond-the front side wall 121 of the base cabinet10, where it is accessible rupting the rotation of the shaft 99 and thereceptacle 13.

A locking arrangement is provided 4for holding the Vreceptaclesupporting 'bracket 1'4 :in `either of the two positions described. Thelocking arrangement comprises a vertically extending rod 122 (Figs. 1, 2and 3) which is pivotally connected at its llower end 'at 123 with thefoot pedal 119, so that depression "of the pedal end 120 of the footpedal 119 pulls the locking rod 122 downwardly simultaneously with thedepression of the main drive shaft S which separates the `clutch plates102 and 105 and disconnects the drive for Yrotating'the receptacle :13.The upper end 124 of 'the locking rod 122 is Aprovided with a pivotallyconnected locking pin 125 secured thereto at 126 which is -slidingly`received in a guide member 127 mounted on 'a base plate 128 outhe vtopof the base cabinet 10, the base plate .1,128 also supporting in spacedrelation above the same the .rotatable receptacle carrier or spider 14and the upstanding 'bracket 12. The locking pin 12S is adapted to belselectively positioned .in one or the other of 'indexing `aperturesV129 which are provided in oppositely disposed relation .in a circularplate 130 which is securedtoand rotates with the bracket 14. The pin 125is retra'cted'beneath the plate 130 when the foot pedal 119 `isdepressed and the receptacle carrying bracket 14 is freed for rotationabout the post 78.

The top portion 96 of each receptacle 13 is provided with an aperture131 (Figs. 3 and 5) in the'top plate 94 which is aligned with thevertical path of vtherstuifed casing as the latter advances between theconveyors 27 and 28, when the receptacle 13 is vin link receivingposition as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A throat member which comprises arelatively short tubular section or ring 133 and an apertured coverplate 134 is supported by bearing 132 for free rotation in the aperture131. Theinner surface of the ring member 133 is provided with spacedgrooves or with corrugations 135, .the grooves or corrugations extendinginthe axial direction. A radially e1'- tending horn-like hollow linkguiding member 136 extends from the throat ring 133 into the receptacle13.

In operating the mechanism, the bracket 14 is set in locked positionwith one of the receptacles V13 in the sausage receiving positiondirectly below the `divider mechanism 11 where itis adapted to receivethe links or casing sections as they are advanced downwardly between thedividing conveyors 27 and 28. The dividing conveyors 27 and 28 areoperated in ltimed relation to the rotation of the receptacle 13 whichfis .in link receiving position, the receptacle 13 being rotated at ahigh rate of Vspeed sufcient to exert a centrifugal pull on theindividual links as they pass through the vertical passageway formed bythe throat .ring 133, f

and thence Vthrough the radially directed passageway formed by the horn136,'the latter directing the first link in the outward direction 'asthe leading end ofthe casing enters the pan to assist ininitiating thetwisting operation. The twisted links are urged outwardly of the axis ofrotation of receptacle 13 and deposited or accumulated in coil formationaround the peripheral walls 93 of the same, due to the centrifugal pullgenerated by the rapid rotation of the receptacle 13. Each link isaxially rotated as its moves through the throat member 133 by rotationwith the pan, to twist the casing section between it and the remainderof the casing which is under the control of the dividing mechanism afterwhich it is pulled into the coil which is formed by the precedingtwisted links.

ln the illustrated mechanism two link accumulating receptacles 13 arearranged on the oppositely disposed radial arms of the bracket 14 sothat one of the receptacles 13 may be positioned `beneath the .dividingmechanism 11 for receiving the twisted links while `the other receptacle13 is positioned .on `the-opposite `side of the bracket 14 where the topssecton. 96 thereof may :be opened to enable the operator to remove thecoil of links. With this arrangement the Atwo receptacles 13 may bepositiouedso that vwhile one .is being :emptied of a previously formedcoil of links the other may be posi tioned to receive a coil beingformed. The arrangement may be modified, if desired, `by increasing thenumber of receptacles 13 employed `in a single machine to three or more.This may be accomplished by providing additional radial varms 15 on thebracket 12 and accompanying receptacles 13. Also, a multiple feeding anddividing arrangement may be provided by providing additional dividermechanisms 11 and additional receptacles 13 mounted for positioning incooperative relation therewith.

A modified form of linking machine is shown in Figs. 10 to `13 in whicha single link receiving pan or link accumulating receptacle 200 isprovided, which receptacle 200 is mounted `in fixed relation relative toa casing dividing and constricting mechanism 201. The receptacle 200 andconstricting mechanism 201 are arranged above a 'supporting base cabinet202 with the casing constricting and dividing mechanism 201 beingsupported at the upper or outer end of an upstanding L-shaped bracketformation 203 'and the accumulating Vreceptacle 200 being mounted inaligned relation beneath the constricting and dividing mechanism 201.

The casing constricting and dividing mechanism 201 is arranged in acompartment forming casing or cabinet 204 'secured at the end of thehorizontal portion of the bracket formation 203. The casing constrictingand dividing mechanism 201 is identical in construction with themechanism 11 heretofore described and illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 andfunctions in the same manner to constrict a stuffed casing deliveredthereto and to divide the same into links of uniform-length. Themechanism 201 includes operating gears, indicated at 206, which `aredriven by pinion 207 on the end of the horizontal shaft 208 which shaftis supported in suitable bearings in the horizontal portion 205 of thebracket 203. The shaft 208 is connected in driving relation with avertical drive shaft 269 by interengaging bevel gears 210 and 211, onthe adjoining ends of the respective shafts. The vertical drive shaft209 is supported in suitable bearings `in the upright or verticalportion 212 of the bracket 203 and extends through the bearing support213 into the base supporting `cabinet 202. At its lower end the shaft209 carries a driving pulley 214 which is connected by a driving belt215 with a pulley 216 on the vertical drive shaft 217 which is arrangedin parallel spaced relation to the vertical drive shaft 209. A tensionapplying idler 218 is mounted on adjustable arm 219 which is secured onthe bearing 213. The vertical drive shaft 217 is directly connected to adriving motor 220 by pulley 221, drive belt 222 :and pulley 223, thelatter being on the power shaft ofthe motor 220. The motor 220 isprovided with a brake mechanism 224 which is under the control of theoperator.

The main drive shaft 217 extends vertically through a top supportingplate 225 on the top of the base cabinet 202 and carries on its upperend the link accumulating receptacle 200. The shaft 217 is mounted in asuitable bearing 226 and at thc upper end thereof is connected by plate227 to the bottom plate 228 of the receptacle 200.

The link receiving and accumulating receptacle 200 is provided withupstanding peripheral walls 229 and a top wall 230 which is apertured at231. An apertured throat member 232 is positioned in the top centralaperture 231 with the throat or aperture 233 therein being larger indiameter than the diameter of the stuffed casing .ing .sections 235 asthey are delivered from the same.

Thelink receptacle 200 (Figs. 11 and 12) is divided into two sections toprovide a `body portion 236 and a gate forming portion or section 237,the latter having a vertical side wall section 238 hingedly connected at239 'T9 to the side wall of the body portion 236 of thereceptacle'; Thegate section 237 is provided at its oppositeV periph-` eral edge with akeeper plate 240 which is positioned to be engaged by the hooked end 241of a pivotally mounted latch member 242, the latter being mounted on avertical pivot 243 and being so proportioned that the rotation of thereceptacle 200 in the clockwise direction as indicated in Fig. 1l tendsto urge the hooked end 241 of the latch member 242 into closed or keeperengaging position. A spring (not shown) may be employed, if desired, tonormally hold the latch member 242 in engaging relation with the keeperplate 240. When the latch 242 is released the section 237 is adapted toswing to an open position to provide access tothe interior of thereceptacle 200, for removal of the accumulated links 235. t t

The Vstuffed meat casing 243 is adapted to be fedv to the casingdividing mechanism 200 over an idler roller 244 across a horizontalguide chute 245 and around a grooved guide roller 246 into a verticallyextendingfunnel-like guide member 249 which directs the casing betweenthe conveyors of the dividing mechanism 201. The grooved guide rollers241 and 246 and also guide chutes 245 and 247 are suitably mounted on asupporting bracket 248 which is attached to the housing 204 for thedividing mechanism 201.

In operating this form of the machine the stuied casing 234 is fed overthe grooved feed roller 244, across the feed chute 24S, to the feedroller 246 and through the vertical chute 247 to the constricting anddividing mechanism 201 which divides the casing 234 into link forminglengths 235 of uniform size and delivers the same in a continuouslymoving stream through the throat aperture 233 and into the rapidlyrotating receptacle 200. The receptacle 200 is rotated by motor 220 at arelatively high rate of speed and in timed relation to the operation ofthe casing constricting 'and dividing mechanism 201. The links 235 aresubjected to a centrifugal pull by the rapid rotation of the receptacle200 as they move through the restricted opening 233 in the throat member232 resulting in an axial rotation of each successive link sufficient toplace one or more twists in the portion of the casing connecting thetrailing end of the link with the leading end of the next succeedinglink or casing section. The pull on the links 235 also causes them tomove radially toward the peripheral wall 229 of the receptacle 200 andto arrange themselves inv coil forma tion as shown in Fig. 13. When apredetermined length of the stuiied casing 234 has been divided and theresulting links 23S have accumulated in the receptacle 200 the rotationof the latter is stopped and the accumulated coil of links is removedupon releasing the latch member 242 and opening the gate forming section237 of the receptacle. Thereafter the receptacle is closed and themechanism is ready to receive the next length of stuffed casing. t

A further modification is shown in Figs. 14 and 15 in p tion 301 isadapted to swing relative to the main section of the receptacle 300 froma closed position as shown to an open position. The lower edge of thevertical wall 306 of the gate section 301 is seated in an upwardlyopening groove 307 in a bottom bracket member 308 which is attached tothe bottom peripheral margin of the bottom member 309 of the receptacle300, the groove 307 forming a circular track or guideway which guidewayextends adjacent the lower edge of"thewall`310`oft`he 'main portion'ofthe receptacle 30201.v The'gate section 301 is held in' closedposition by a' suitable latch member 311 pivoted thereto at 312 andhaving a hook forming endV portion 313 which is adapted to engage akeeper pin 314 on the main portion of the receptacle. While the 'member311 is urged into latched position by centrifugal force while thereceptacle 300 is `rotating a spring (not shown) may be provided onthepivot 312 to insure that the latch member 311 isl constantly urgedtoward. the keeper pin 314 when it is engaged with thesame andaccidental opening of the gate section 301 Will not occur. The gatesectionl 301 may be swung about the throat ring 304 to enable theoperator toremove the completed coil of links after Athe twisting of alength of casing is. completed and upon' stopping the rotation of thereceptacle 300, the latch member 31'1 being disengaged from the keeperpin 314. to permit the section 301 to swing open. The swinging' movementof the gate section .301 toward the open p'o'sition is limited by theextent of the guideway forming" groove 307. The remainder of the linkingmechanism may be the same as in the forms of the mechanism previouslydescribed.

While specicdetails Vof construction are illustrated inthe several formsof the invention it will be understood that other details ofconstruction may be resorted to within the spirit of the invention, andalso, while it is contemplated that'the invention will be employed inthe. linking of a casing stued with sausage meat, it isv not intended torestrict its use to a single product but it may be used wherever it isdesired to divide a casing stuled with any similar product into `aseries of connected andtwisted links.

I claim:

l. In a machine for dividing a length of tubular cas-I" ing which isfilled with a pliable mass into relatively short sections of uniformlength and for constricting the casing between each section and theadjoining sections to form the casing into a series of individualconnected links, cooperating conveyor mechanisms arranged on oppositesides of the casing, said conveyor mechanisms havingmeans thereon forengaging the casing and advancing the same along a predetermined path,each of said conveyor mechanisms having a plurality of transverselyextending and longitudinally spaced bar members which bar members.

2. In a machine for dividing a length of tubular casing which is filledwith a pliable mass into relatively short sections of uniform length andfor constricting the casing between each section and the adjoiningsections to form the casing into a series of individual connected links,

cooperating conveyor mechanisms arranged on oppositeV sides of thecasing, said conveyor mechanisms having means thereon for engaging thecasing and advancing the same along a predetermined path, each of saidconveyor mechanisms having a plurality of transversely extending andlongitudinally spaced bar members which cooperate with each other toengage'the casing at predetermined spaced intervals and constrict thesame, and one of said conveyor mechanisms having movably mountedconstricting members associated with the bar members thereon,whichmovable constricting members operate 1n atrans.,

versely extending path to further constrict the casing in the areasengaged by said bar members.

3. In a machine for continuously dividing an elongate lled casing intosections of uniform length and for thereafter forming the same intoindividual connected links, a casing constricting mechanism comprisingtwo cooperating parallel endless conveyors mounted rfor movement withone vrun of each conveyor .in parallel-spaced relation to a run of V,theother conveyor and `with the filled casing being adapted lto iadvancebetween said parallel conveyor runs, each conveyor Vhaving mountedthereon in longitudinally spaced relation a plurality of pairs oftransverse barsfeach pair` of bars being arranged to move into alignedrelation with a 4pair 0f l.bars on the other conveyor yand to cooperatetherewith in engaging in constricting relation the filled casing,laterally 'movable casing constricting members associated with each,pair of bars on one Vor' said conveyors =and means along said parallelruns `for controlling the 'movementof said movable Acasing constrictingmembers whereby to engage and constrict said filled casing .as thecasing 4is :advanced `between said conveyors. t

-4. .In :a machine `for continuously ldividing an elongate filled casinginto sections of uniform length .and for thereafter forming the :sameinto individual connected links, -a .casing constricting mechanismAcomprising `two cooperating endless conveyors mounted for movement withone run of each conveyor in :generally `parallel spaced relation fto arun of the other conveyor and with the filled casing being adapted toadvance `between said spaced conveyor runs, Aeach of Isaid conveyorshaving mounted Ithereon `in longitudinally spaced relation a pluralityof pairs of transverse bars, the bars of each pair being slightly spacedand arranged to move into aligned relation to a pair of'bars on theother conveyor and to cooperate vtherewith inengaging the filledcasing-from opposite sides, casing constricting members mounted forlateral movement between the bars of each pair of bars on one ofsaidconveyors and extending between the bars of a cooperating pair of barson the opposite conveyor along said parallel conveyor runs for engagingand constricting the casing `from two adjoining sides asthe-casing isadvanced between said conveyors.

5. In a machine for continuously dividing an elongate filled casing intosections of uniform length and for-thereafter forming the same Ainto`individual `connected links, a casing constricting rmechanismcomprising two cooperating endless conveyors mounted for movement withone run of each conveyor in opposed spaced relation "to a run of theother conveyor and with the filled casing being adapted to advancebetween said opposed conveyor runs, each conveyor comprising a pair oflaterally spaced chains having mounted thereon in longitudinally spacedrelation a plurality of pairs of transversely extending bars, thevrespective bars of each pair being slightly spaced relatively to eachother and 'being arranged to move into aligned relation with the bars ofa 4pair of bars on the opposite conveyor `andto cooperate therewith inengaging in constricting relation the filled casing, movable casingconstricting members mounted for reciprocating transverse movement inthe space between the bars of Veach pair of bars on one of saidconveyors and extending into the space between the cooperating bars onthe opposite conveyor when :carried between said opposed conveyor runsand cam plates arranged 'to reciprocate said movable casing constrictingmembers into and out of engaging and constricting relation with saidfilled casing as the casing is advanced between said conveyors.

6. In a machine for fcontinuously dividing an elongate illed casing intosections of uniform length and for thereafter forming the same intoindividual connected links, a casing constricting mechanism comprisingtwo cooperating endless conveyors mounted for movement with one run of'each Iconveyor in opposed spaced relation to a `run of the yotherconveyor 'and with the filled casing being adapted to advancelbetweensaid opposed conveyor runs, each conveyor comprising 'laterally spacedchains, casing engaging and gripping 1bars extending between the chainsof each conveyor, a pair of slightly spaced transverse casingconstricting bars mounted on each conveyor, said bars being arranged tomove into aligned relation with cooperating bars on the oppositeconveyor and to engage in constricting relation the filled casing,laterally movable casing constricting members associated with the barson one of said conveyors and extending toward the bars on the otherconveyor and means along said opposed runs for controlling the movementof said movable casing constricting members whereby to constrict said`filled casing first in one direction and then in another direction asthe casing is advanced between said conveyors.

7. In a machine as recited in claim 6 and said movable casingconstricting members comprising laterally movable blocks mounted vonVsaid conveyor and projecting casing engaging pins thereon.

8. In a sausage linker cooperating elongate endless conveyors arrangedto provide opposed runs traveling in spaced lgenerally parallel pathsand adapted to receive between said opposed runs a filled sausagecasing, a plurality of transversely extending cooperating casinggripping Vbars mounted in spaced parallel relation on said conveyors andadapted to engage opposite sides of the casing and carry the same alongsaid opposed conveyor runs, cooperating casing constricting membersmounted in longitudinally spaced relation on said conveyors, said casingconstricting members comprising pairs of transversely extending parallelcasing engaging bars which are arranged with the pairs spacedlongitudinally a predetermined distance corresponding to the length ofthe links and projecting outwardly of said casing gripping bars so as toengage the casing on opposite sides and constrict the same atpredetermined intervals whereby to divide the casing into links ofuniform length.

9. In a sausage linker cooperating elongate endless conveyors arrangedto provide opposed runs traveling in spaced generally parallel paths andadapted to receive between said opposed runs a filled sausage casing,cooperating casing gripping members mounted in transversely extendingand longitudinally spaced relation on said conveyors, cooperating casingconstricting members mounted in longitudinally spaced relation on saidconveyors, the casing constricting members on the one conveyorcomprising pairs of transversely extending parallel casing engaging barswhich are arranged with the bars of each pair spaced a short distanceapart in the longitudinal direction and with the respective pairs spacedin the longitudinal direction a predetermined distance corresponding tothe length of a link, the casing constricting Vmembers on the oppositeconveyor comprising cross bars which are spaced in the longitudinaldirection so as to mate with the pairs of casing engaging bars on thefirst conveyor whereby to engage the casing on opposite sides atpredetermined intervals and divide the same into ylinks of uniformlength.

References Cited n the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 639,648Avery Dec. 19, 1899 1,545,586 Kruse July 14, 1925 2,492,222 JacobsonDec. 27, ifi-ffl UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CEI rr'IFIcATn1 0FCORRECTION Patent No 2,930,077 March 2% i960 Lawrence P Cross.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patentrequiring correction and that the said Letter Patentv should read ascorrected below.

In the grantl lines l and 2it :for "Lawrence Pg, Cross of ValparaisoIIndiana assignor to Kartridg-Pak Machine Co. a

corporation of Iowa," read Lawrence P Crossil of Valparaiso, Indianav--3 line Y llvv for "Kartridg-P'ak Machine Co.,v its successors" readLawrence P. -Crossq his heirs in the heading to the printedspecificationv lines 3 and 4v for "Lawrence P. Cross-q Valparaisov Indoq lass'ignor to Kartridg-Pak Machine Co. 9 a corporation of Iowa" read'Lawrence Pi. Crossv Valparaisov Ind v Signed and sealed this 13th day ofSeptember 1.960.

(SEAL) Attest: Y, KARL I-I. AXLINE ROBERT c. wATsoN I ttesling Officer AI Conmissoner of Patents

